This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, yet another bittersweet reminder of Kershner’s stellar contribution to the science fiction saga George Lucas built. And it’s a significant contribution at that, what with following-up Lucas’ mega-successful science fiction romp with a darker sequel that grounded the saga with deeper character development and sharper humor, along with even more white-knuckle action and one whopper of a bombshell.

Kershner dabbled a bit in sf after Empire with 1990’s RoboCop 2 (for which Frank Miller crafted the story and helped with the screenplay), a 1986 episode of Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories and a 1993 episode of SeaQuest 2032. But aside from directing the 1983 James Bond flick Never Say Never Again with Sean Connery as 007, Kershner will likely always be remembered for Empire. For which this unabashed Star Wars geek remains forever grateful.